One of the women who left an enduring mark on Rockford is Alice Crawford was born in 1872 to Oshea and Armenella Crawford. While growing up three of her siblings died before reaching 1 year of age. At the age of 16 she was hired as a teacher in the Rockford village school, responsible for primary students’ education. She had 40 students in her class. Alice was also part of the Traveling Library Club which gained agreement from the Women’s Council of Minneapolis to have books dropped off in Rockford for a six-month period starting in February of 1898. This was Rockford’s first true Library. She also was active in the Rockford History club, provided engaging accounts of Sherman’s March to the Sea which was described as “in her usual thoroughness”. By 1900 Alice had resigned as a teacher and was employed as a milliner. A milliner is a person that makes hats, and could have also created shirts, cloaks, caps or neckerchiefs. It is possible that she was the first female business owner in Rockford selling her creations, a detail we need to research further. At this time, Alice had also become a proficient organist. She used her musical skills to raise money as part of various fundraising events held in Rockford. Alice continued to be involved in civic and social causes in Rockford. She was often part of the same committees that Jessie Florida championed. Alice continued to be an active part of this community until her death in 1959.
Greenwood Map 1898